Role of Sleep Disorders in Exacerbating Alcohol Use Disorder

When a substance use disorder (SUD) coexists with a mental disorder, the condition is commonly known as dual diagnosis. Of the many combinations of coexisting diseases, the co-morbidity of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and sleep disorders is quite common. Due to increased prevalence, medical practitioners and experts have been focusing more on addressing the life-disruptive challenge of sleep disorders among people addicted to alcohol. In several cases, problems related to sleeping have persisted even when a person has quit alcohol. This highlights the overall magnitude of the problem.

Usually, comorbid diseases require a specialized treatment center that can address both the conditions holistically and in parallel. Similar measures need to be enunciated in the case of coexisting diseases AUD and sleep disorders to improve the rate of recovery for patients. Because each combination of dual diagnosis is viewed as a unique case, one will be able to detect any abnormality or issue that may be missed by a one-size-fits-all approach through effective interventional strategies.

Comorbidity of AUD, mental disorders and sleep problems

As anxiety disorders are often seen in tandem with alcohol dependence or AUD, this highlights the bidirectional relationship between both the conditions. More recent findings suggest the same bidirectional link of AUD with sleep disorders and SUD. While sleep disorders, such as insomnia, affect about 10 percent to 15 percent of the general population, the rate of occurrence of disturbed sleeping patterns among those with AUD can range between 30 percent and 80 percent.

In addition, chronic alcohol users may take other drugs to help them sleep or deal with their morning hangover that significantly increases their risks for developing another form of addiction. Therefore, it is essential to develop an appropriate understanding of these factors to learn the better ways of managing these comorbid diseases.

Prior research on the subject suggests that a history of baseline insomnia exists among those with SUD. One of the common observations has been that individuals who abstain from substances but have a family history of substance dependence display a higher propensity for experiencing sleep disorder, which suggests the presence of a genetic component.

More recent research and studies suggest that clock genes play a significant role in inflicting sleep disorders among those with SUD. It is understood that variations in clock genes influence sleep patterns and circadian preferences. The clock gene PER 3 is believed to cause chronic insomnia among those with AUD. Experts also believe that neuropeptides, such as orexin, may play a role in disrupting sleep and influencing alcohol reward circuitry.

In addition, the hypothalamus, a section of the brain that is responsible for alertness, concentration, mood and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, is uniquely connected to the brain's reward center that is privy to structural and chemical changes when substances are abused.

Sleep disorders in individuals with AUD

Sleep disorder is also seen when an individual with AUD experiences withdrawal symptoms. Some reports suggest that more than 50 percent of AUD patients experience sleep disturbance during acute alcohol withdrawal. Sleep issues should not to be taken lightly as they pose an arduous challenge, especially during the early phase of recovery among AUD patients, and can persist even after achieving sobriety. In addition, sleep disturbances can also lead to a relapse among individuals with AUD.

Apart from insomnia, other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, are also witnessed alongside alcohol dependence. The propensity to suffer from various other sleep-disruptive problems, such as obesity, hypertension, the problem of snoring and periodic limb movement disorder, is more prevalent among heavy drinkers and those with AUD.

The link between sleep disorders, SUD and mental disorders that has been identified even in the past continues to play an important role in today's time. Recognizing sleep disturbances as well as the symptoms of comorbid disorders can reduce the disease burden on the individual and improve the chances of recovery.

Path to recovery

As such, sleep disorders, mental illnesses and SUD are interconnected. Sleep disorders not only worsen mental health, but also aggravate the symptoms of SUD. Sleep problems are a common phenomenon among AUD patients that prevent these individuals from leading fulfilling lives.

If you or your loved one is battling an addiction to alcohol or any other substance, get in touch with Sovereign Health of California. Our state-of-the-art alcohol detox treatment in California is evidence-based and holistic. Call at our 24/7 helpline number 866-629-0442 to know more about our alcohol detox treatment.

If you are having difficulty sleeping, you may be suffering from some form of sleep disorder. Learn about some of the most common sleep orders so you can identify and address them to get a better night's rest.

Loss of sleep can have a significant effect on our health and well-being. Sleep deprivation has been connected with high risk of industrial accidents, motor vehicle accidents, reduced productivity, medical errors, increased stress, impaired problem-solving skills, and more